YOUNG handymen and women have donned their overalls during the summer holidays to revamp their sixth form common room.

Between 20 and 30 students from Bishop Heber High School, near Malpas, have swapped their PlayStations for paintbrushes to improve facilities for Year 12 and 13 pupils before the new term in September.

Plastering, painting, carpet-fitting, electrics, removals and plumbing are just some of the tasks carried out by the group, which has been grateful for the support of Tattenhall building merchants Tudor Griffiths.

Aside from the main common room, the students have also kitted out a new kitchen.

Local businessman and helper Keith Littler said: “They are doing everything themselves. Students are always getting told off for hanging around on street corners but these are getting up early and spending all day down there. They are a great bunch of kids because they are putting so much effort into it.”

Despite the group’s hard work, the completed sixth form will still look a little bare as there is a lack of furniture. Parents and helpers are appealing to Chronicle readers for any unwanted pieces of furniture to help furnish the room. They are promising to pick up any items free of charge.

Sub-contractor David Tanswell, of the Bolesworth Estate, who has also been lending a hand at the Chester Road school, added: “The students deserve a bit of recognition for the fantastic work they have been putting in. They are a credit to the school and themselves.”

The students have been keeping an online blog to update their peers on their progress at www.thebowlerhat.co.uk.